Media Centre
02/09/09Ambassadors to promote Queensland mining to the world
The Bligh Government has established a team of industry ambassadors to promote Queensland mining and exploration investment opportunities to the world - creating jobs for Queenslanders.
Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson today announced the 13 prominent mining industry leaders who have accepted the Government's invitation to become Queensland Resource Industry Ambassadors.
"Queensland is immensely resource-rich and now is the time to highlight the benefits of our significant exploration and mining potential both at home and overseas," Mr Robertson said.
"Because of the global financial downturn and its impact on mining and exploration in Queensland, it is important we take every opportunity to promote our industries, to be on the front-foot for the economic upturn when it comes.
"Today's exploration means the jobs of tomorrow and we are delivering on our commitment to create and protect jobs for Queenslanders.
"The primary focus of the ambassadors will be to champion exploration and investment throughout our state by highlighting the benefits of investing in our exploration, mining and resource industries.
"We want Queensland recognised throughout the world as a preferred destination for exploration investment and resource development.
"Our industries will then be well positioned to embark on new projects as we emerge from the current global downturn."
Mr Robertson said the Queensland Resource Industry Ambassadors initiative builds upon the success of existing government programs that support industry.
"Grants such as our $49.1 million Smart Mining - Future Prosperity and Smart Exploration programs have already proven successful in attracting and leveraging exploration in Queensland," he said.
"For example, total mineral and petroleum exploration expenditure by the private sector in Queensland has grown steadily in recent years; from $270 million in 2004-05 to $563.3 million in 2007-08."
The ambassador team will be made up of 13 high profile private sector industry leaders, supported by a Queensland Mines and Energy secretariat within the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.
The ambassadors will not be paid for their roles and will promote the Queensland mining and energy industry at every opportunity, including national and international industry events and conferences.
The ambassadors are:
- Dr Julie Beeby General Manager, Strategic Planning and Projects,
Peabody Energy Australia Pty Limited - Mr Chris Brown Senior Analyst, ABN Amro Morgans
- Ms Alice Clark Principal, CdeK Geological & Mining Services
- Mr Steve de Kruijff Chief Operating Officer,
Xstrata Copper North Queensland - Mr Andrew Gillies Managing Director, Metallica Minerals Ltd
- Mr Doug Kirwin Executive Vice President Exploration, Ivanhoe Mines
- Mr Ken MacDonald Consultant, Allens Arthur Robinson
- Emeritus Professor Don McKee Formerly Head of the Department of Mining, Minerals and Materials Engineering, University of Queensland (retired 2007)
- Mr Zimi Meka Chief Executive Officer, Ausenco Limited
- Mr Terry O'Shane Chairman, North Queensland Land Council
- Mr John Pegler Chairman and a Director of the Australian Coal Association Ltd
- Mr Michael Roche Chief Executive, Queensland Resources Council
- Mr Nick Stump Chairman, Groundprobe Pty Ltd and
Chairman of the Sustainable Minerals Institute
Media contact: 07 3224 73332
Last Updated 03 November 2009
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